Apparatuses and methods for attracting and/or repelling animals

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems and apparatuses are disclosed for attracting and/or repelling animals, more particularly methods systems and apparatuses for deploying and retrieving decoys, such as, for example, waterfowl decoy displays typically used in hunting, and particularly to attract overflying waterfowl.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The presently disclosed subject matter is related to and claims priorityto U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/055,042, filedFeb. 26, 2016 and entitled “Apparatuses and Methods for Attractingand/or Repelling Animals”, and issued Jan. 1, 2019 as U.S. Pat. No.10,165,771, that, in turn, is related to and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/145,639 filed Apr. 10, 2015 andentitled “Apparatuses and Methods for Attracting and/or RepellingAnimals” the entire disclosures of which are both incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to apparatuses and methods forattracting and/or repelling animals. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for deploying andretrieving decoys, such as, for example, waterfowl decoy displaystypically used in hunting, and particularly to attract and/or repeloverflying waterfowl. Still more specifically, the present disclosurerelates to the use of a rigging device for a more efficient andpredictable display of multiple decoys, or a decoy array, in a tightconfiguration to help reduce tangles, make better use of a hunter's timeand labor, and provide a better, realistic and safer display of multiplewaterfowl decoys configured together, particularly on the open water.

BACKGROUND

Hunters have been using artificial means and methods to attractoverflying waterfowl for years. Waterfowl can be attracted by both sightand sound. One method of attraction used by hunters has been the use anddisplay of artificial waterfowl (“decoys”) floating on open bodies ofwater.

In earlier years, hunters (users) displayed “decoys” carved out of wood.Later, decoys were constructed using plastic materials. The decoys aretypically built to the approximate size of an actual waterfowl, and thenpainted and designed to be displayed, and look like an actual duck.Typically, a user will set up in a location known to have ducks flyingoverhead. The user will typically either hunt from a boat, or from aconcealed location on land that overlooks a body of water.

In order to attract the waterfowl to their position, the user willemploy a variety of decoy rigs, or arrays, to display decoys. A decoy“rig” is understood to be either an interconnected series of multipledecoys, (a decoy array), or a collection of individual or solitarydecoys located relatively closely to one another, but that are notinterconnected. The user will either wade out from the shoreline andplace the decoy rig in shallow water, or drop/throw the decoy rigs fromtheir boat into deeper water.

One method used by hunters has been to put out solitary duck decoys onthe open water, which are anchored in place under the water by a cord,or monofilament line, attached to a small weight. Another methodemployed by the user has been to put out a “longline” (also known as a“gang rig”) with multiple decoys attached, or interconnected, at variousintervals along a longer rope that is anchored in place. In addition,hunters will use makeshift/homemade “net rigs” to give the appearance ofa tighter configuration of ducks feeding on the open water. Stillanother method employs what is referred to as a “jerk rig.” Each will beexplained in greater detail below.

Generally, the more decoys a user can display, the more likely it isthat overflying waterfowl will see the decoys and perceive the decoys tobe actual ducks congregating together to feed, etc. Thus, the overflyingwaterfowl are thereby lured to fly toward the decoys and within shootingrange of the user. Once the user shoots a duck, they can deploy atrained dog to swim/run and retrieve the duck. Often, actual ducks willcongregate together in a close, tight configuration to form a “raft” outon the open water. The ducks will raft together in tight proximity bothbefore and after feeding. Typically, these rafts are formed in waterthat is too deep for wading by the hunter. Users have long desired tomimic this tight feeding configuration by using their own makeshiftdecoy rigs to display duck decoys.

One method hunters have used to create the tight rafting effect of ducksis by throwing individual decoy rigs close together in the water. Theindividual plastic decoy is anchored using monofilament line or cord anda lead weight on the end. Often, throwing (deploying) the decoys from aboat is required because the depth of the water is over the head of thehunter. When these individually thrown (deployed) decoys land in thewater, if they should land too close to each other, they can frequentlytangle because of the long cords, water currents, and wind. As a result,it is difficult for users to achieve the desired look of rafting ducksusing the individual duck decoy displays.

Users also display multiple decoys by use of “longline” cords (gangrigs). The longline rig typically consists of a small line, such as, forexample, a rope or paracord that is approximately fifty feet (50′) toone hundred feet (100′) or more in length. The rope is then attached toa suitable anchor (typically from about 3 to 5 lbs. in weight) on eachend. Decoys are placed and attached at various intervals along the ropeusing metal clips and approximately three feet (3′) of leader. Using thelongline method, the hunter is required to clip these decoys onto theline, and then drop the line into the water, either from a boat, or bywading out into a body of water and dropping them as they walk. Thereare problems with this method. It is difficult to display the decoys ina tight configuration without tangles developing in the line and amongthe decoys. The decoys are typically spaced four or more feet apartalong the line, to keep them from becoming tangled. Typically, one endof the longline rig is anchored close to a tight group of separatedecoys in a “net rig.” Passing ducks will see the decoys along thelongline and “follow” it to what appears to be a group of ducks feeding.The longline rig is a useful way of deploying a lot of decoys quickly,but it does not achieve the tight rafting of ducks, as the decoys aretypically four or more feet apart, and in a direct line.

An additional method, which is quite similar to the longline in decoyappearance, is the “jerk rig” method. This setup typically involvesusing only 3 to 4 decoys and a cord approximately twenty-five feet (25′)in length. The decoys are attached to the cord via clips that are spacedapproximately four feet apart on the cord. The rig is then anchored onone end of the cord. Affixed between the anchor and the long line is abungee cord. The hunter can then stand on the bank and pull or “jerk”the line. The bungee cord allows the four decoys to “swim” one way whenthe user pulls the cord, and then turn and “swim” the other way when theuser lets go and the bungee pulls in the opposite direction. This methodis not designed to mimic a “raft” of ducks, but is used to create theappearance of ducks in motion. This method is not generally used in openwater hunting but is typically reserved for hunting in a swamp or amongflooded timber. Ducks that frequent swamps or flooded timber areas arenot known to “raft” up in the large numbers, as do ducks on open water.

The method used most by hunters to create the appearance of a closeconfiguration of rafting ducks has been the conventional makeshift “netrig.” This method is concentrated primarily in eastern North Carolinaand southern Virginia, as it was originally developed by commercialfisherman who used their old fishing nets. Normally, the user willobtain a commercial nylon or monofilament fishing net with a meshopening size of ½ inch or more. The user then must individually attachdozens of decoys onto the fishing net, normally by using plastic zipties. A standard plastic decoy is constructed with a ballasted keelunderneath for assisting in maintaining its flotation on the water in anupright position. On a net rig, the user zip ties the decoy on both endsof the decoy keel and then has to attach it to the fishing net toprevent the decoy from moving and tangling. Because the decoy isattached on both ends of the keel, the decoy is not able to move andadjust to the water current as freely as one that is attached on justone end of the keel. Upon attaching the decoys to the net, the user mustthen thread a small rope around the perimeter of the net and attempt tomake the net taught. Several loops must be tied in the perimeter rope toserve as corner attachment points for the anchors ropes. The user isthen required to attach suitable (3 to 5 lbs.) anchors to at least fourseparate anchor ropes, and then tie the opposite end of each rope toeach of the aforementioned loops in the perimeter rope. The upwind sideof the net rig will require two (2) Danforth anchors, while the downwindside can use two (2) mushroom anchors. The user must first deploy bothof the Danforth anchors by throwing the anchors in opposite directions,substantially simultaneously (therefore requiring the presence and workof at least two people). Once the Danforth anchors are settled andfirmly anchored, the user will maneuver the boat down current. The userwill then need to throw the two mushroom anchors as far apart aspossible, in opposite directions. Deploying the net rig in this mannerwill provide the best chance for the net to remain taught. A taught nethelps prevent the decoys from bunching together so tightly that theybegin bumping into each other, and becoming entangled. Multiple anchorsmust be used because the standard fishing net is not made to be tight,but is rather designed to be loose in order to trap fish. As a result,the conventional makeshift/homemade net rig takes considerable effort todeploy, to achieve the desired look of rafting ducks. Deploying such anet rig can take twenty to forty minutes, or more, depending on the sizeof the net rig. Further, performing such a deployment in the earlymorning darkness can prove challenging, especially in challengingconditions such as, for example, high wind, strong current, rain etc.

A major problem for users of conventional makeshift net rigs is theoccurrence of tangles. Tangles in the net rig can result from a numberof different variables. Because the user of a net rig is typicallyrequired to anchor the net rig with four or more suitable anchors, evena directional shift in the water current can cause the net rig totangle. Optimal use of the net rig also requires that at least two usersbe present for deployment to substantially simultaneously “throw” theanchors on each corner of the rig, in order to achieve a taught net.Three users are often necessary for a net rig deployment, especially inareas of high water current. The third user is needed to drive the boatagainst the current while the other two users deploy the net.

Deploying the net rig in deeper water also proves problematic for theuser because of the amount of time it takes for the anchors to reach thebottom of the water. The delay in the anchors falling to the bottomcauses slackness in the net rig. This causes the decoys to eventuallybegin bumping into one another, and the decoys in the net rig are nolonger providing a true appearance of actual waterfowl. Because of theloose construction of the fishing net, the net rig can evolve into anhourglass shape if the anchors are not properly set. Additionally, usersthat hunt waterfowl in areas that are affected by tidal changes oftenmust expend considerable effort to re-set the net rig as the watercurrents and tide shifts occur. This consumes additional time for auser, as the user must forego hunting until the net rig can bereadjusted.

In addition, because the decoys are attached to the net at both ends ofthe decoy keel, they are unable to adjust to changing wind, watercurrents, and directions. Also, the nylon or monofilament mesh on thecommercial fishing net has large openings in it. The large openings areproblematic because the decoy can become stuck in various configurationswhen the decoy bills, or zip ties become caught in the netting. This canalso require the user to expend additional time and labor fixingindividual decoys prior to or during deployment, as well as having totediously repair snags in the net. These issues can prove to bedifficult, especially during cold, windy, and wet weather.

Hunting with a trained dog is also a major aspect of waterfowl huntingfor many decoy users. Users often deploy hunting dogs to swim outtowards the duck after it has been shot, in order to retrieve the duckfor the hunter. When a duck has been shot, it can fall into the water,often near or within the duck decoy “spread.” The problem with theconventional makeshift net rig is that the dog risks being caught in thelarger mesh openings of the nylon or monofilament fishing net if theduck falls near or into the net rig. This can prove fatal to the dog.Many hunters refuse to use, or are unable to use a makeshift net rigbecause of this danger alone.

While each of the above described devices and methods may be suitable onoccasion for the particular condition to which they address, they arenot suitable for reducing or eliminating the various problems and issuesassociated with their decoy use.

Hunting for waterfowl in open water can be a challenge to the decoyuser, for many reasons. One of the major challenges is simply the factthat the user is often required to display a large number of decoys toattract attention from the passing waterfowl. Such a display can includeanywhere from two dozen to ten dozen decoys. Each decoy is built toapproximate the size of the true duck it represents. Multiple decoys canoccupy a significant amount of square footage, and are cumbersome forthe user to handle, store, transport, deploy, and remove from the water.

Working to display dozens of decoys on the open water is both gruelingand time consuming, especially in colder temperatures. Duck hunting isoften done in cold, inclement weather. Duck hunting season is generallyheld during the late fall and winter months. The hunter must use hishands as he deploys the decoys to the open water. Use of one's handsnumbed by the cold weather can be difficult and painful. Users generallyset up decoys on the water for their hunt in the early morning darkness.Strong water currents and high wind can make for good duck huntingconditions, but they can also create difficult conditions for deployinga conventional makeshift net rig and preventing entanglements. When anentanglement occurs, the user is required to make extensive use of theirhands, wrists and fingers, which are often wet and numb when the weatheris cold.

Whether the user deploys a single decoy setup, longline rig, jerk rig,or makeshift net rig, net and decoy entanglement is inevitable andundesired, as explained above. The bills and tails of the decoys caneasily become wrapped up and tangled in any type of rigging currentlybeing used by hunters. These methods increase the time required todeploy the decoys, the time to untangle them, and the time to removethem from the water.

The conventional makeshift net rig's propensity for entanglement alsomakes it difficult to store because the decoys cannot be easily removed.The decoys are zip tied tightly to the nylon or monofilament netting onthe net rig, so the user typically leaves them on the fish netting whentransporting and storing the net rig. As a result, decoys tend to bumpinto each other and are prone to paint chipping and discoloration.Removal of the decoys for storage is time consuming and difficult. Thus,the decoys on a conventional makeshift net rig generally do not receivethe same care as those used on an individual decoy rig. It follows thatthe decoys used on a net rig frequently need to be repainted orreplaced.

Methods and apparatuses to provide a cohesive, efficient, and safemethod for organizing multiple decoys into a tighter configuration onthe water, and for deploying them to, and removing them from the waterare not known, but would be highly advantageous.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing problems and disadvantages inherent in theknown types of waterfowl decoy display rigs, the apparatuses, systemsand methods according to aspects of the present disclosure significantlydepart from the known designs, and, in so doing, provide a new decoydisplay device and decoy device deployment methods developed for thepurpose of more efficiently deploying and displaying at least dozens ofdecoys in a tight, realistic configuration on the water, while helpingto reduce time, tangles, difficulty, and danger. Aspects of the presentdisclosure also make removal from the water and storage easier for theuser.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new waterfowl decoydisplay raft that has many of the advantages of the conventionalmakeshift net rig mentioned heretofore with many novel featuresresulting in a new duck decoy display device, which is not anticipated,rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior duckdecoy display rigs, either alone or in any combination thereof. It willbe understood that the waterfowl decoys generally used (and shown in theFIGs herein, particularly in FIGS. 5, 8 and 9) are characterized as amigratory waterfowl, such as a duck. However, other any and all types ofwaterfowl or other decoys are contemplated.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the present apparatuses and methods in order that thedetailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order thatthe present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There areadditional features that will be described hereinafter and that willform the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a decoy displaydevice that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior decoy displaydevices used by hunters.

A second object is to provide a more alluring, effective display ofdecoys, to increase the user's ability to attract overflying waterfowl.

Another object is to provide a more efficient, time saving, and easierto use device to display multiple decoys in a tight configurationfloating on the water.

Another object is to provide a decoy display device that is animprovement upon conventional makeshift net rigs.

Another object is to provide a more tangle-free device for the user.

An additional object is to provide the user with a decoy display devicethat helps eliminate the requirement of using four or more anchors.

An additional object is to provide the hunter with a way to deploydozens of decoys using only one anchor.

An additional object is to provide the user with a multiple decoydisplay device that can be used without the requirement of at least twousers being present to deploy same.

An additional object is to allow the user the ability to attach multipleapparatuses (arrays), longlines and other attachments by use of thegrommets located around the perimeter of the present invention.

A further object is to provide users with a safer method of decoydisplay when using retrieving dogs in the open water.

A further object is to provide the user with a decoy display device thatreduces the strain upon hands, wrists, and fingers that become wet andnumb.

A further object is to provide the user with a device that facilitatesremoval of decoys for preservation, neater storage, easier transport,etc.

According to one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a methodfor attracting and/or repelling animals comprising the step of deployingan apparatus. According to one aspect, the apparatus comprises aplatform comprising a material maintaining a substantially planar formand having a first side and a second side, and a plurality of attachmentregions on at least one side of the material. The apparatus furthercomprises a fastener having a first fastener end and a second fastenerend, wherein the first fastener end engages an attachment region on thematerial, and at least one object for attracting or repelling animals,with the object having at least one attachment point, wherein a secondfastener end engages the object at the attachment point, therebyattaching the object to the material.

In a further aspect, the platform further comprises at least one handle.

In another aspect, the material is a flexible material.

In another aspect, the flexible material is semi-pervious to water.

In yet another aspect, the apparatus is deployed onto a body of water.

In still another aspect, the fastener comprises a swivel.

According to another aspect, the object has at least two attachmentpoints.

In yet another aspect, the object is attached to at least two attachmentregions on the flexible material.

In still another aspect, the platform further comprises at least onegrommet.

In a further aspect, the object is attached to the material prior todeployment of the apparatus onto a body of water.

A still further aspect comprises the step of predictably orienting theobjects relative to the platform.

In yet another aspect, one method further comprises the step of securinga line to the platform, preferably via at least one grommet, said lineoptionally comprising a weight.

In a still further aspect, one method further comprises the step ofpredictably orienting the apparatus in a body of water.

In yet another aspect, the platform is suspended at a desired distancebeneath the surface of a body of water.

In yet another aspect, the apparatus is predictably oriented in a bodyof water in a substantially fixed location.

In a still further aspect, one method further comprises the step ofretrieving the apparatus from a body of water.

In a further aspect, the flexible material is made from a materialcomprising plastic, rubber, or combination thereof.

In yet another aspect, the flexible material comprises polyester.

In a further aspect, the flexible material comprises vinyl coatedpolyester.

In yet another aspect, the object is a decoy.

In a further aspect, the decoy is a waterfowl decoy.

In yet another aspect, the decoy is a terrestrial animal decoy.

In still another aspect, the decoy is an inanimate object.

Aspects of the present disclosure are further directed to apparatusesfor attracting or repelling animals. According to one aspect, theapparatus comprises a platform comprising a material having a first sideand a second side, a plurality of attachment regions on at least oneside of the material maintaining a substantially planar form, a fastenerhaving a first fastener end and a second fastener end, wherein the firstfastener end engages an attachment region on the material; and at leastone object for attracting animals, said object having at least oneattachment point, wherein a second fastener end engages the object atthe attachment point, thereby attaching the object to the material.

Still further aspects of the present disclosure are directed to systemsfor storing an apparatus for attracting or repelling an animalcomprising maintaining an apparatus for attracting or repelling ananimal in a deployable state while said apparatus is in storage, withthe apparatus comprising a platform comprising a material maintaining asubstantially planar form and having a first side and a second side, aplurality of attachment regions on at least one side of the material, afastener having a first fastener end and a second fastener end, whereinthe first fastener end engages an attachment region on the material; andat least one object for attracting animals, said object having at leastone attachment point, wherein a second fastener end engages the objectat the attachment point, thereby attaching the object to the material,and wherein the object remains fastened to the platform during storageof the apparatus.

Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages andsuperior features of the invention, together with other importantaspects thereof upon reading the detailed description which follows inconjunction with the drawings. To the accomplishment of the above andrelated objects, aspects of this disclosure may be embodied in the formillustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to thefact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changesmay be made to specific construction and are illustrated and describedwithin the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an overhead plan view of one aspect showing the top side;

FIG. 2 is an overhead plan view of one aspect showing the underside;

FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of a paracord running across thetop of the apparatus, and the loop, or unstitched section of paracord,and the reinforcing section;

FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of an attaching mechanism attachedto the loop or unstitched opening in the paracord;

FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view showing an attachment mechanismattached at a first end to the loop in the paracord, and attached at asecond end to the front/head portion of a decoy keel;

FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of a grommet inserted into theapparatus;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one aspect of the apparatus showing thetop side, with an anchor line attached to a grommet;

FIG. 8 is an overhead plan view showing the apparatus with decoysattached; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention, showing theapparatus with decoys attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unlike known designs that employ a filamentous net, aspects of thepresent disclosure are designed as a semi-solid platform, or “raft”, topredictably orient, and substantially maintain a predetermined taughtformation of predictably configured decoys. Aspects of the presentdisclosure provide distinct advantages over the conventional andamorphous makeshift net rig that uses fishing net material, by insteadcomprising a platform that is able to retain its form in two dimensions.Stated another way, according to one aspect, the desirable materialaccording to the present disclosure, and unlike a fishing net material,is capable of maintaining a substantially planar form when it is in itsdeployed state. According to one aspect, the platform is semi-perviousto water, and is made from a durable vinyl plastic fabric heavy enoughto maintain its form beneath the water, while keeping the decoysfloating in place on top of the water. According to another aspect, thesemisolid platform is flexible. According to still another aspect, theplatform comprises a mesh material.

Further aspects of the present apparatuses also provide the advantage ofa single anchor point design that allows the user more flexibility andefficiency relative to storage, use, deployment, retrieval, removal andoperation. While conventional makeshift net rigs require the need formultiple users to assist in deploying or tossing multiple anchors,according to further aspects, the presently disclosed apparatusesprovide the user with the advantage of deployment and retrieval withoutneed of assistance from another user. In moving or stagnant water, oneanchor will keep the present invention taught and the decoys in place,although multiple anchors may be attached, if desired.

According to still further aspects, built in handles are provided,preferably at both ends of the underside of the semi-solid platform, andat its center, allowing the user to more efficiently deploy, retrieveand remove the Decoy Raft from the water.

In addition, according to further aspects, attachment mechanismscomprise fasteners, such as clips that in turn comprise a barrel swiveland clip design, that work in conjunction with the one anchor system,allowing the platform and decoys to predictably adjust to the wind andtide, whereby the raft and attached decoys are able to “weathervane,”and face into the wind to hold their formation with a natural swimmingappearance. The aforementioned clip, barrel swivel and clip, iscomprised in part, of a clip and barrel swivel, not unlike a fishingline “snap swivel,” which is easier for the user to efficiently attachto, and remove from an attachment region, such as, for example, paracordloops on the platform. In other words, when the decoy is attached to theattachment region on the platform, the barrel swivel allows the decoy toswivel 360 degrees, while still attached to the attachment region on theplatform, in order to adjust to changes in the water current. Accordingto one aspect, at the opposite end of the barrel swivel, a second clipcan be used to attach to the keel of the decoy, or a singular clip maybe designed that features the ability to attach to the paracord at oneend and the decoy keel at the other end. This clip, barrel swivel andclip can be operated using a standard pair of gloves which are oftenused by hunters. By providing the user with clips, barrel swivels andclips that can be used to adjust the decoys, the present invention helpsminimize the hunter's labor and effort in deploying decoys and reducingentanglements. The clip, barrel swivel and clip design allows the userto strategically move, remove and orient the decoys on the platform,whereas a conventional makeshift net rig does not provide for the samedegree of ease and flexibility to adjust the decoys on the net in situ(because they are more permanently zip tied onto a fishing net).

It is to be understood that while the drawings show the spaced intervalsin a paracord providing attachment regions for the fastener (clip), anytype of attachment means (such as, for example, those attachment meansthat receive a clip or fastener) can be located at the attachmentregions on the apparatus, including but not limited to hook and loopfastening systems, metal and non-metal fasteners, short bungee cords,carabiners, etc.

According to a further aspect, a decoy's keel is attached to one end ofa clip, barrel swivel and clip, and then clipped at the other end to anattachment region on the platform, such as, for example, one of thesmall loops or “non-stitched openings” placed at spaced intervals alongthe paracord that is attached to the platform. According to one aspect,reinforcements, such as, for example, patches of denier/fabric arelocated on the platform material at each attachment region where theunstitched paracord is unattached and therefore “separates” from theplatform material. These reinforcements serve at least a two-foldpurpose: 1) to give the user a visual location of where to clip thedecoys (especially helpful if it is dark when preparing to deploy theapparatus) and 2) to protect the platform material from damage shouldthe decoy clips cause abrasions due to the constant motion of the decoysin the water. The reinforcements therefore help prevent the clips fromchafing the platform material.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, a paracord may be affixed to the platformmaterial, (such as, for example by sewing, gluing, heat-sealing, etc.)into any useful configuration, such as, for example groups of multiple,and preferably two (2) parallel strips that oriented on the platformmaterial in a predetermined and preselected fashion, such as, forexample, about eight (8) inches apart from each other on the top orupper side of the platform material. According to one aspect, eachparacord strip contains multiple loops or unstitched openings in theparacord running across the width of the platform material. In a furtheraspect, reinforcements are affixed/sewn to the platform materialunderneath each paracord loop. The purpose of having two paracord stripslocated at a desired distance from one another is to allow the user theoption of staggering the decoys in a variety of configurations, as wellas to orient the decoys point into a desired direction or angle. Forexample, the user can use the odd number positions on the top row andthe even numbered positions on the second row. In addition, by havingadjoining strips of paracord relative to one another, the user can locka decoy in a desired direction that is different from other decoys onthe platform material. The user does this by using the clip, swivel, andclip system. The decoy may then be attached on both ends of its keel andattaching the clip to a loop on each strip of paracord in that set. Thenext set of two (2) paracord strips are sewn, or otherwise affixed tothe platform material, for example, approximately eleven (11) inchesfrom the previous set so that the decoys are less likely to bump intoeach other in the water, and so that they can more freely adjust to thewind, tide, current, etc. It is understood that the attachment regionsmay be oriented and spaced on the platform in any desired configurationto allow for a predetermined and desired attachment of the decoys, andfor otherwise desirably and predictably orienting the decoys onto theplatform.

According to further aspects, the platform material comprises aplurality of grommets at predetermined locations, such as, for example,about its perimeter. According to one aspect, the grommets are insertedinto the platform material, allowing for attaching additional rigs,including additional platforms. Instead of deploying an additionalanchor for a longline, the hunter can simply attach the end of thelongline to the platform using the built-in and incorporated grommets.Alternatively, the hunter can use the grommets to connect two (2) ormore platforms together. According to a further aspect, a single anchormay be used to position multiple platforms that have been attachedtogether. In addition, the user may also attach a bungee cord to one ofthe grommets and an anchor line and implement a “jerk rig” method.

The apparatuses disclosed herein can come in various sizes and shapes,but for illustration purposes, a 62 inch×144 inch rectangular platformcan display approximately forty (40) decoys. If the user wishes todeploy more than one platform, the additional platform can be attachedby simply using any useful attachment mechanism, such as, for example, acarabiner, etc. clipped to the grommets that are integrated into theplatform. By pre-attaching (for example, prior to arriving at thehunting site) the decoys to the platform, the user can deploy up toforty (40) decoys in just a matter of a few minutes. Using forty (40)individually rigged decoys according to known methods would generallytake the hunter at least about 30 minutes to deploy and retrieve,depending on the conditions and the water depth.

The present invention also provides the user with a more efficientmethod to retrieve the decoys at the conclusion of the activity.According to one aspect, the clip, barrel swivel and clip attachmentdesign, along with the strategically placed handles, help provide theuser with the ability to pull the entire platform into the boat or toshore while the decoys remain attached. The clip, barrel swivel and clipdesign also allows the user to more easily remove the decoys from theattachment regions on the platform, allowing for better storage (e.g. toprevent paint chipping and cracking) of the decoys. After removal of thedecoys from the platform, the present invention allows the user tosimply fold or roll up the platform for storage in a relatively smallspace. Or, if the user prefers and has adequate storage space, thepresent invention can be stored while the decoys remain attached.

According to one aspect, the platform comprises a cut of flat, vinylplastic or vinyl coated polyester fabric with small mesh openings, withattachment regions comprising, for example, according to one aspect,multiple strips of attached paracord oriented in any configurationdesired. The platform material comprises mesh features including but notlimited to various weave designs and fabric counts, such as, for example42×12; 17×11; 12×12, 11×11; 9×9; and 5×5, or, using standard meshmeasurements, mesh openings including 1/16 inch mesh up to and including⅜ inch mesh. According to one aspect, the paracord is oriented on theplatform horizontally across the width of the platform, at predeterminedand desired intervals apart. In a further aspect, the edges and cornersof the platform are finished in denier or other fabric.

According to one aspect, a plurality of grommets (and preferablymultiple grommets) surround the perimeter, or a location close to theperimeter, of the platform to allow for anchor attachment points,longline attachment, the ability to attach additional platforms to oneanother, and any other attachment as desired, etc. According to anotheraspect, preferred attachment mechanisms for securing the decoys to theplatform include clips with and without barrel swivels. Other attachmentmechanisms are contemplated, as would be readily understood by oneskilled in the field. Useful attachment mechanism would preferably allowfor realistic movement of the decoys relative to the platform material.However, the present disclosure contemplates attachments and attachmentsystems that fixedly position the decoys and restrict their movementrelative to the platform material. In such aspects, the attachments mayinclude Velcro-like material, or any attachments employing hook and loopmechanisms that would also work in a water environment, or any suitablefasteners, as would be readily understood.

Referring now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1through 9 illustrate a platform 10, comprising a flat, rectangular body20 comprised of a cut of a flexible platform material 11, such as avinyl plastic mesh fabric. The drawing figures are not necessarily toscale in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shape of the platform 10 is preferably aflat, rectangular shape. However, it can be appreciated by one who makesuse of conventional waterfowl display rigs that the shape of theplatform 10 can have various and virtually limitless geometrical shapessuch as rectangular, square, triangular, oval, circular, and otherwell-known shapes, etc., and dimensions.

The flat, rectangular body 20 comprising the actual platform material 11can be cut and constructed in various sizes. For illustration purposesonly, and for explaining the functions of the present apparatuses, theactual size of the platform material 11 can be approximately 144 inchesin length and approximately 62 inches in width. However, it can beappreciated that the flat, rectangular body 20 can have various sizes,both of a larger or smaller size, and both in length and width.

The flat, rectangular body 20 comprising the actual cut of platformmaterial 11 may be constructed of vinyl coated polyester or otherdurable plastic material, including but not limited to various weavedesigns and fabric counts, such as, for example 42×12; 17×11; 12×12,11×11; 9×9; and 5×5, or, using standard mesh measurements, mesh openingsincluding 1/16 inch mesh up to and including ⅜ inch mesh. The small meshsize openings in the platform material help allow for water to passthrough the present invention. The actual mesh size of the platformmaterial 11 is significantly smaller than that used in commercialfishing nets and cast nets. It can be appreciated that the flat,rectangular body 20 may comprise any useful material with or withoutmesh features, although a mesh material is preferred for reasons statedabove.

One particularly useful vinyl coated polyester material having desirablemesh characteristics is a black vinyl plastic that is vinyl coated andmanufactured by Phifer, Inc. (Tuscaloosa, Ala.).

The flat, rectangular body 20 comprising the actual cut of platformmaterial fabric 11 may be colored in any color, including, for example,black, brown, tan, green, blue, clear/transparent, etc. The flat,rectangular body 20 is preferably black in color, but it can beappreciated that other colors can be used.

As shown in FIG. 6, the rectangular body 20 includes at least onegrommet 12 inserted into the rectangular body 20. As shown in FIGS. 1and 2, the grommets are inserted at desired intervals around theperimeter of the rectangular body 20. The grommets 12 may be spaced atdesired regular or irregular interval(s). For illustration purposesonly, and for explaining the functions of the present invention, thegrommets 12 can be inserted at repeating intervals of thirty (30) inchesto forty-six (46) inches. It can be appreciated that the distancebetween the grommets 12 can vary, including a placement either closerto, or further apart from, each other.

According to one aspect, the grommets 12 are preferably round in shape.It can be appreciated that the grommets 12 can come in any shapes,including, for example round, square, pentagonal, octagonal, etc. Thesize of the grommets 12 located along the perimeter of the platform mayconsist of various sizes, both in width and diameter. It can beappreciated that the grommets 12 may be comprised of any common materialsuch as, for example, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, etc., and thegrommets 12 may or may not comprise a coating material.

According to one aspect, the perimeter of the platform comprises denier13 or other common fabric. The corners of the platform have denier 13,or other desired material that also houses the corner grommets 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, strips of paracord 22 are sewn into the platformmaterial 11 and run substantially parallel across the upper side of therectangular body 20 at spaced intervals. The distance between the stripsof paracord 22 may vary, either longer or shorter, but for purposes ofillustration, can run at eight (8) to eleven (11) inch intervals. Theparacord strips 22 are preferably black in color, but it can beappreciated that other colors can be used.

As shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, loops (or non-stitched openings) 21 inthe paracord 22, are provided for purposes of allowing a clip 29 to beattached to the paracord 22. There can be a reinforcement 32 ofdenier/fabric sewn into the platform material 11 at each location wherethe paracord loop 21 occurs on the platform material 11. Thereinforcement 32 can comprise any desired material such as, for example,denier/fabric of any color or pattern, such as, for example, black,blue, brown, green, camouflage etc.

As shown in FIG. 5, the clip 29 attaches at a first end to the loop 21in the paracord 22. The clip 29 at its second end is attached to a firstend of a barrel swivel 23. The second end of the barrel swivel 23 isattached to another clip 28. This clip 28 is attached to the front end24 or back end 25 of the keel 26 a located underneath the decoy 26.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9, near the perimeter (edges), and nearthe middle of the body 20, platform material 11, is manipulated, forexample, folded over lengthwise and affixed to itself to form a channelthrough which a rod 27 is inserted. The rod 27 may comprise any usefulmaterial that is preferably strong and lightweight, such as, forexample, plastic, vinyl, PVC, rubber, ceramic, wood, or other durablematerial, etc. The rod 27 is preferably comprised of a plastic such asPVC. It can be appreciated that the rod 27 may be comprised of anycommon material such as plastic or PVC pipe. It can be appreciated thatthe length of the rod 27 can vary, depending on the width or shape ofthe flat, rectangular body 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, handles 30, 31 are placed on the underside of therectangular body 20. It is understood that any number of the handles 30,31 may be also be located on the upperside or underside of therectangular body 20 as desired. As shown, one handle 30 is placed ateach end of the length of the rectangular body 20, and one handle 31 isplaced in the middle underside of the rectangular body 20 of the presentinvention. As shown, all three handles are placed on the underside ofthe rectangular body 20, so as to not interfere with the paracord 22 andthe attached decoys 26 on the top of the flat, rectangular body 20 ofthe present invention.

When it is desired to deploy the platform 10, the user attaches a clip28 to the front opening 24 or rear opening 25 of the keel 26 aunderneath the decoy 26. The clip 28 is connected to a barrel swivel 23,which is connected to a clip 29. As shown in FIG. 5, the individualdecoy 26 becomes attached to the rectangular body 20 by a clip 29 ontothe loop 21 in the paracord 22. The user repeats this step for eachindividual decoy 26, and then attaches each individual clip 29 to theparacord 22 in each one of the desired paracord loops 21, on the topsurface of the rectangular body 20, until they have the desired numberedof decoys 26 mounted on the platform 10.

According to one aspect, and as shown in FIG. 7, the user attaches asuitable line 33 to the center grommet 12 located on either end (width)of the flat, rectangular body 20. At the opposite end of the line 33,the user attaches a suitable anchor 34. The user can then deploy theanchor 34 into the water.

If the user further desires to attach a device such as a longline, (or asecond or more platform(s)) to a first platform, the device can besecured with a suitable cord or line (e.g. rope) to any of the grommetsaround the perimeter of the rectangular body. The user may also attach abungee cord to a grommet and anchor rope to use the platform in a jerkrig method.

Following use of the platform, the user retrieves and removes thepresent invention from the water. As shown in FIG. 2, the user can usethe underside handles 30 at each end of the rectangular body 20, and thehandle 31 in the middle of the rectangular body 20 to pull the platform10 from the water.

As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of thepresent platform, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

With respect to the above description, it is to be understood that theoptimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the disclosedapparatuses include variations in size, materials, shape, color, form,function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and are deemedreadily apparent to one skilled in the art, and all equivalentrelationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in thespecification are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

It is further understood that aspects of the present invention may beuseful not only to attract animals in decoy-like fashion, but may alsobe useful in repelling unwanted animals from a particular location,(e.g. bodies of water near a golf course, or other populated orunpopulated public or private recreational park or site, etc.) eitherscenting the decoys with a predator's scent, or by employing decoys ofan animal type, or other animate or inanimate object that is predatoryto unwanted animals, or that otherwise repels or affects the behavior ofunwanted animals by its presence and/or appearance.

Aspects of the present disclosure further contemplate methods, systemsand apparatuses for also attracting and/or repelling animals that areterrestrial, as opposed to or in addition to being waterborne. As wouldbe readily understood, to deploy the apparatuses of the presentdisclosure for terrestrial use, the attachment of the decoy object tothe platform may require fasteners different from those used forwaterborne deployment and use. Further, for terrestrial use, the decoysor other objects themselves need not be buoyant, for example. However,terrestrially-based decoys or other objects may need to be designed andfabricated to be “self-righting” or otherwise attached to remain erector in a standing position, etc. as would be readily apparent to oneskilled in the field. Nevertheless, by incorporating the appropriatefastening means and/or object design, many of the advantages that themethods, systems and apparatuses afford to water-borne uses would beavailable and realized for terrestrial-based uses, such as, for example,ease of deployment, retrieval and storage, as the decoys and/or other,objects could remain attached to the platform if desired.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered illustrative only of theprinciples disclosed herein. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for attracting or repelling animalscomprising the step of: deploying an apparatus to a deployed state, saidapparatus comprising: a semi-solid platform comprising a flexiblematerial, said platform having a first side and a second side, saidsemi-solid platform maintaining a substantially planar form, saidsemi-solid platform being semi-pervious water; a plurality of attachmentregions on at least one side of the semi-solid platform; a fastenerhaving a first fastener end and a second fastener end, wherein the firstfastener end engages one of the plurality of attachment regions on theflexible material; and at least one object for attracting or repellinganimals, said object having at least one attachment point, wherein thesecond fastener end of the fastener engages the object at the at leastone attachment point, thereby attaching the object to the semi-solidplatform; suspending the semi-solid platform in a planar orientation ata desired distance beneath the surface of a body of water; wherein theflexible material comprises a semi-solid mesh material; wherein theflexible material is configured to maintain a substantially planar format a desired distance beneath the surface of a body of water in thedeployed state; and wherein the flexible material is not a net.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said semi-solid mesh material comprises meshopenings ranging from about 1/16 in. to about ⅜ in.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising the step of securing a line to thesemi-solid platform, wherein said line comprises a weight.
 4. Anapparatus for attracting or repelling animals, said apparatuscomprising: a semi-solid platform consisting of a flexible material,said semi-solid platform having a first side and a second side, saidplatform configured to maintain a substantially planar form, saidsemi-solid platform being semi-pervious to water; a plurality ofattachment regions on at least one side of the material; a fastenerhaving a first fastener end and a second fastener end, wherein the firstfastener end directly engages one of the plurality of attachment regionson the flexible material; and at least one object for attractinganimals, said at least one object comprises at least one attachmentpoint, wherein the second fastener end engages the object at the atleast one attachment point, thereby attaching the object to the flexiblematerial; wherein the flexible material comprises a semi-solid meshmaterial; wherein the flexible material is configured to maintain asubstantially planar form in two dimensions at a desired distancebeneath the surface of a body of water when said apparatus is deployedin a body of water; and wherein the flexible material is not a net. 5.The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus further comprises atleast one handle.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said semi-solidmesh material comprising mesh openings ranging from about 1/16 in. toabout ⅜ in.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the fastener comprisesa swivel.
 8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the at least one objectcomprises two attachment points.
 9. The apparatus of claim 4, whereinthe object is attached to at least two of the plurality of attachmentregions on the flexible material.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6, whereinthe apparatus further comprises at least one grommet.
 11. The apparatusof claim 4, wherein the object is attached to the flexible materialprior to deployment of the apparatus onto a body of water.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus is configured to bepredictably oriented in a body of water.
 13. The apparatus of claim 4,wherein the apparatus is configured to be predictably oriented in a bodyof water in a substantially fixed location.
 14. The apparatus of claim4, wherein the flexible material is made from a material comprising atleast one of: plastic, rubber, vinyl coated polyester or combinationsthereof.
 15. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the material comprisesvinyl coated polyester.
 16. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the objectis a decoy.
 17. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus isconfigured to be maintained in a deployable state during storage withsaid object fastened to said platform during storage.